Kraftwerk Tools from Switzerland

[Sunbimmer]

...there is even more... google for "King Tony", Toptul, Hans tools......i think there is a new tool brand invented every day ....

my favourite so far:

Yeah, Snap-On one of if not the favorite of mine but.... there is that thing called budget.
My former boss was and still is a millionaire he has an enormous toolcart filled with Snap-On tools and almost every week he bought something new, sure was no problem for him
I could stare in those drawers for hours (when he was not watching )

 

[shoturtle]

There is allot of choices out there. I would get something you can get semi local customer support if you need.

 

[Sunbimmer]

There is allot of choices out there. I would get something you can get semi local customer support if you need.

Yes indeed that is very important in combination with the 30 years or lifetime warranty I must be able to make a choice.

 

[jfdestree]

There is also Omega Mechanix. Quite nice.

http://www.lotusequipment.be/
http://www.lotusequipment.be/data/mediablocks/Mechanix_2013.pdf

(Once again, prices are without taxes. Add 21% to make the Belgian government happy... ).

 

[Sunbimmer]

There is also Omega Mechanix. Quite nice.

http://www.lotusequipment.be/
http://www.lotusequipment.be/data/mediablocks/Mechanix_2013.pdf

(Once again, prices are without taxes. Add 21% to make the Belgian government happy... ).

Hmm another good option , must admit again I've never heard of it.
It looks very solid made and nice style, love the toolcarts.
Thanks for sharing, oh and yes over here too the government likes to have a 21% piece

 

[shoturtle]

Another good option for the EU is KS tools, while their tools are made in taiwan. They are very good quality tools. And a good value as well. Like the Gearwrench line in the US.

 

[Sunbimmer]

Another good option for the EU is KS tools, while their tools are made in taiwan. They are very good quality tools. And a good value as well. Like the Gearwrench line in the US.

I downloaded their catalogues and again I must admit this is again another good option (thanks), looks nice
Only thing is, personally I would like it better if they were made in Germany.
Maybe not rightly so but in general the quality of something German made is way better than something from the far east, but maybe that's just between my ears
BTW really love their toolcarts and workbenches.

 

[Monte]

I downloaded their catalogues and again I must admit this is again another good option (thanks), looks nice
Only thing is, personally I would like it better if they were made in Germany.
Maybe not rightly so but in general the quality of something German made is way better than something from the far east, but maybe that's just between my ears
BTW really love their toolcarts and workbenches.

btw. which tools do you already have and which ones do you need most ?

 

[Sunbimmer]

btw. which tools do you already have and which ones do you need most ?

Most decent stuff I have, which I mostly use for work is from Hazet (I'm a fan) and some Gedore screwdrivers.
In my garage I use a lot of cheap "junk" because I abuse them every which way I can
But when I'm done with the remodeling of my garages, (if you want you can click on the TEXACO logo in my signature) I want to have a brand new toolcart with all the tools I use most new in it.
Now I'm looking for preferably a complete deal of toolcart and tool set within my budget of around 1500 Euros.
I had some good options from you guys which makes it not any easier to choose I might add

 

[CanUK]

Only thing is, personally I would like it better if they were made in Germany.
Maybe not rightly so but in general the quality of something German made is way better than something from the far east, but maybe that's just between my ears

Format tools might be worth a look. I have a few of their items and it's all rebranded from other major German companies (Gedore, Wiha, Wera etc) and seems mostly made in Germany. Prices are very cheap (relatively speaking). Downside is it may not be easy to find.

http://format-tools.com/

Catalogue in English (and GBP pricing):

http://www.format-tools.com/download/katalog_en.pdf

Catalogue in German:

www.format-tools.com/download/katalog_de.pdf

 

[Sunbimmer]

Format tools might be worth a look. I have a few of their items and it's all rebranded from other major German companies (Gedore, Wiha, Wera etc) and seems mostly made in Germany. Prices are very cheap (relatively speaking). Downside is it may not be easy to find.

Indeed looks like a lot of their stuff is rebranded.
I found two dealers located close to one of my worklocations, so for certain I'm gonna pay them a visit next week or so
Thanks for your input CanUk

 

[Monte]

since your Garage will look like a professional shop/gas station after finishing ....and you most likely will stay in that garage/house...? ...and have still 30 to 40 years to live....?? and work on your car(s)/house/lawn mower/bicycle over the next decades.....??.....you need proferssional tools.... from Germany.... since the color scheme of your garage is green/red you might want to look into Stahlwille...: (they also make them in red...)

but ...on the other hand.....you want to make your garage to look like the 1950´s ...? than you need a old looking tool cart..... Hazet Assistent....but it´s blue....but how about this "Format" box ....?

or a "Stahlwille Rollmaster" would be nice too....tool boxes should be filled with Stahlwille, Hazet and/or Gedore tools

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45377&highlight=stahlwille+rollmaster

 

[Sunbimmer]

since your Garage will look like a professional shop/gas station after finishing ....and you most likely will stay in that garage/house...? ...and have still 30 to 40 years to live....?? and work on your car(s)/house/lawn mower/bicycle over the next decades.....??.....you need proferssional tools.... from Germany.... since the color scheme of your garage is green/red you might want to look into Stahlwille...: (they also make them in red...)

but ...on the other hand.....you want to make your garage to look like the 1950´s ...? than you need a old looking tool cart..... Hazet Assistent....but it´s blue....but how about this "Format" box ....?

or a "Stahlwille Rollmaster" would be nice too....tool boxes should be filled with Stahlwille, Hazet and/or Gedore tools

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45377&highlight=stahlwille+rollmaster

I like how you're thinking Monte

 

[Monte]

http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/doe-het...285449651fa109c354bbabe740c1b&previousPage=lr

 

[Sunbimmer]

http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/doe-het...285449651fa109c354bbabe740c1b&previousPage=lr

Vintage Stahlwille like it!

 

[lwlobo]

I have some Carolus tools, and like them a lot. They appear to be quite nice quality in general, and especially for the price. I believe Some of them are from Germany and some from Asia (Taiwan?). The sockets and ratchet sets come in very nice metal kit boxes.

 

[shoturtle]

If you want a cart with the amount of tools in the kraftwerk with german made tools, you will really have to up you budget pass 1500 euros. Carlos has allot of asian tools mixed in. Only a few items are made in germany.

But I have to say, all the sets mention form the EU or Asia do look nice. The the topul set would fit your budget and go with your green texco gas station.

 

[Sunbimmer]

Love this set, especially the price but also the looks and what is in it.

I have some Carolus tools, and like them a lot. They appear to be quite nice quality in general, and especially for the price. I believe Some of them are from Germany and some from Asia (Taiwan?). The sockets and ratchet sets come in very nice metal kit boxes.

If you want a cart with the amount of tools in the kraftwerk with german made tools, you will really have to up you budget pass 1500 euros. Carlos has allot of asian tools mixed in. Only a few items are made in germany.

But I have to say, all the sets mention form the EU or Asia do look nice. The the topul set would fit your budget and go with your green texco gas station.

Yeah as I said before there are some really good options here and one of them most certainly is the Carolus set, I like that a lot.
And than the thing about the budget, there is one thing I've learned from my past car purchase endeavours, and that is "stick with your budget".
Past years I bought some things, among others a workhorse car, within a certain budget.
I find it a challenge to find the best thing for the money within my budget, and than enjoy it to the fullest.
I really enjoy the search for the things I want to buy.

 

[Monte]

start with a basic set and then you can add more step by step....

 

[Sunbimmer]

start with a basic set and then you can add more step by step....

Yes that was my second thought too

 

[shoturtle]

any of the german brands basic sets will be in your budget. Only problem I find will going basic then adding laters you end up getting allot more tools then what the initial box you have can fix, and have to get a bigger one.

I know for a fact. With all my US and German and Asian made tool. A US size 41" box was tool small for everything I have. That I have currently 5 boxes of tools, but have 6 thin and medium drawer free once I got rid of most my SAE tools.

I sometime think if I had started with one very complete set of tools, I would not have built out my tool inventory as big.

 

[Monte]

i don´t think the average european needs SAE tools and a excess of tools.... metric combo wrenches 7-19mm 21,22,24,27mm...screwdriver set, 4 pliers, 1/2" + 1/4" socket set....specific oil filter wrench for his car, torque wrench 40-200NM ....finished....

 

[shoturtle]

well I would add ratcheting wrenches 10-19mm, and most the german sets skip 3/8" drives. Which is the most useful size drive for everyday stuff. 1/2" is overkill on allot of applications. And the added sized of the ratchet sometimes get in the way.

Lets take the Hazet set for an example, it is missing allot of the hex and torx, and e-trox sockets. Which is super important working on European cars. Especially all the VW brands, who loves to put every new fastener in their cars. It does not include the easy to forget things like a hack saw. Not a biggie. But it does not have allot of stuff the toptul set has. Also a good set of torx, pz, ph and flat screwdrivers is always good to have. And it includes a set of deep socket in 1/4 drive which is very useful.

From the tools of the old world, the toptul set that Bhea post it a very complete kit for a metric world.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28952&page=712

 

[Sunbimmer]

any of the german brands basic sets will be in your budget. Only problem I find will going basic then adding laters you end up getting allot more tools then what the initial box you have can fix, and have to get a bigger one.

I know for a fact. With all my US and German and Asian made tool. A US size 41" box was tool small for everything I have. That I have currently 5 boxes of tools, but have 6 thin and medium drawer free once I got rid of most my SAE tools.

I sometime think if I had started with one very complete set of tools, I would not have built out my tool inventory as big.

My plan is to start with a complete set for the new garage, a set with lets say 99% of the tools I need in it, I'm making a list of the must haves.
I'm no car mechanic I just do some maintenance and small repairs on my vehicles, bicycles, computers, pinball and slotmachines.
I want a set within my budget that is good quality (preferably European) and looks nice

i don´t think the average european needs SAE tools and a excess of tools.... metric combo wrenches 7-19mm 21,22,24,27mm...screwdriver set, 4 pliers, 1/2" + 1/4" socket set....specific oil filter wrench for his car, torque wrench 40-200NM ....finished....

I don't think I need an oil filter wrench, a torque wrench however is on my wish list

well I would add ratcheting wrenches 10-19mm, and most the german sets skip 3/8" drives. Which is the most useful size drive for everyday stuff. 1/2" is overkill on allot of applications. And the added sized of the ratchet sometimes get in the way.

Lets take the Hazet set for an example, it is missing allot of the hex and torx, and e-trox sockets. Which is super important working on European cars. Especially all the VW brands, who loves to put new every new fastener in their cars. It does not include the easy to forget things like a hack saw. Not a biggie. But it does not have allot of stuff the toptul set has. Also a good set of torx, pz, ph and flat screwdrivers is always good to have. And it includes a set of deep socket in 1/4 drive which is very useful.

From the tools of the old world, the toptul set that Bhea post it a very complete kit for a metric world.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28952&page=712

Ratcheting wrenches appear very handy to me (never worked with them) and are on my wish list.
Torx and hex screwdrivers are an absolute must have, I'm working with bits now and that is not handy to say the least.
The Toptul toolcart set is a beauty BTW

 

[shoturtle]

toptul dealers can configure the carts to your needs as well with modulars.

 

[Sunbimmer]

I downloaded their toolcart catalogue with the modular system ....
Nice stuff needs more studying, nice stuff.

 

[shoturtle]

If you want to see that 7 drawer cart that toptul uses, bauhaus actually sell that cart empty under the wisent brand. It comes in white.

 

[Sunbimmer]

If you want to see that 7 drawer cart that toptul uses, bauhaus actually sell that cart empty under the wisent brand. It comes in white.

If plans do not change I'm going there tomorrow.....with the wife

 

[shoturtle]

going through what you will be doing, I would not bother with 1/2 drive at all, 1/4 and 3/8 will cover everything you will work on as car work is not on you list. You can save a bit skipping the larger dr size.

 

[Sunbimmer]

going through what you will be doing, I would not bother with 1/2 drive at all, 1/4 and 3/8 will cover everything you will work on as car work is not on you list. You can save a bit skipping the larger dr size.

Yes, that is what I thought.

 

[shoturtle]

I would get deep sockets in at least 1/4 drive. And ratcheting wrenches are a pleasure to work with.

 

[Sunbimmer]

.....ratcheting wrenches are a pleasure to work with.

I can imagine why

 

[shoturtle]

I do like the look of allot of the complete sets with the different brands. I really think if I were to do it all over again, that would be the route I would take. 3000 euros for a gedore setup, something like that.

 

[Exceller8]

I'm a big fan of the group "Kraftwerk", see my avatar. I would love to have some Kraftwerk branded tools. Where can I find them in the US?

 

[Sunbimmer]

I'm a big fan of the group "Kraftwerk", see my avatar. I would love to have some Kraftwerk branded tools. Where can I find them in the US?

Extraordinary to have a "Kraftwerk" musicfan from the US ,yes they made some good music.
I can not tell you where you could find the tools in the US, I'm sorry, maybe some other members from this board who read this thread can help you.
If you look on their website http://www.kraftwerk.eu/ you can only choose the European countries for their retailers.

 

[Exceller8]

Extraordinary to have a "Kraftwerk" musicfan from the US ,yes they made some good music.
I can not tell you where you could find the tools in the US, I'm sorry, maybe some other members from this board who read this thread can help you.
If you look on their website http://www.kraftwerk.eu/ you can only choose the European countries for their retailers.

I like all kinds of music but when I first heard "Computer World" in 1981 it changed my life. There was nothing like them at the time and probably never will be.

I hope someone here can help me find Kraftwerk tools here in the US.

 

[Sunbimmer]

.... but when I first heard "Computer World" in 1981 it changed my life.

I hope someone here can help me find Kraftwerk tools here in the US.

Good taste in music man
I'm not sure if the Kraftwerk tools where ever available in the US

 

[GuidoK]

Already made your choice?
I have this kraftwerk cart:
http://www.rustbuster.nl/Quickshop/index.php?48,k3908-4993-kraftwerk-gereedschapskar-special
With some extra modules

Best thing about this set is the cabinet. The drawers are really good (I compared them with the cheaper hazet, gedore etc), and there are 8 in stead of the usual 7.
Still 8 isn't enough
And the wrenches and ratchets are strong and the chrome finish doesn't show a lot of wear after about 5 years of pretty hard (non professional) use.

What I like less are the handles (from screwdrivers etc), because I like the oldfashioned hard Cellulose Acetate Butyrate handles (easier to clean, less prone to damage, and for me better grip feel), but almost nobody makes them anymore in a tool set (you have to buy seperate tools and then you won't have the molded drawer liners....)
Also the printed text on the rubber handles wears out, and the laser etched text on e.g. Torx screwdrivers is pretty small thus hard to read.
Sadly there's no such thing as a perfect and complete off the shelf toolset
I'm also still doubting if I shouldn't have gotten the 11 drawer cart in stead of the 8 drawer.
11 drawers means more space for modules, but the drawers are lower (even the slim drawers), so that can be a pain to get parts out of the back of the module (like a socket) because usually tool cart drawers do not completely clear the drawer above when the drawer is completely pulled out. (maybe a professional cabinet like lista does)
choices....choices....

 

[Sunbimmer]

Already made your choice?

Hallo GuidoK, Always nice to meet a fellow Dutchman on this board there are a few more.

Now your question, no I have not made my choice yet, although one of my three favorites still is Kraftwerk along with Stahlwille and Hazet.
I have postponed the purchasing of a toolcart, one because of unforseen costs in our backyard (which I'm currently working on) and two, if I buy a toolcart now I don't really have a place to store it because I'm still in the process of rebuilding my garages and there will be a lot of dust in the place (sanding).
So I decided to wait until there will be no dusting anymore.
I am still following this board, because I'm always interested in tools and what people have say about them.
Love your cart BTW, very good review of the Kraftwerk tools, thanks for that

 

[Hako86]

I have the 1047 tool set from Kraftwerk. Of course it's not Snap-On, but it's really good value for your money, especially the Junior line. Most tools from the Junior line have a lifetime warranty, but some tools have a warranty of two years. I think the quality is just a little bit less than Beta. I will upload some photos from the 1047 I got.
En ja, ik spreek ook Nederlands